The tiny wooden mallets (or “hammers”) trembled, slipping around in my grasp. I adjusted the dulcimer on its wooden stand and glanced around the room. People were filing out, talking and laughing together at the end of the first Christmas service. Another service would begin soon. “It’s only fifteen minutes,” I murmured to myself. “Fifteen minutes of music between services and then you’re … Read More
After receiving a good-night hug from my daughter last night, I noticed a tiny fleck of glitter on my arm. I couldn’t bring myself to brush it away. My husband and I used to laugh whenever we found loose bits of glitter on ourselves. “You’ve been fairy-dusted!” There’s something about having a little girl that suddenly your house becomes a … Read More
October is upon us and with it comes the images of ghosts and ghouls in every store window. This Friday Book Pick is a story that echoes with the voices of accused witches. Susan Meissner’s The Shape of Mercy is a hauntingly beautiful novel that should not be missed. Lauren, a young college student seeking independence from her wealthy family, answers an … Read More
Yesterday was a tough writing day. I wrote less than 50 words. Several times. You see, I’ve been asked to craft an “author’s bio.” Why is it so hard to describe ourselves? It’s odd how I can pump out1000 words in a few hours if I’m writing fiction, but if you ask me to write … Read More
I’m a little late getting my Friday Book Pick posted for the week, but I am still excited to get it out for those of you looking for good books for the weekend. It’s still Friday on the West Coast, anyway. This week I’m highlighting some great new young adult titles. For suspense lovers: Brandilyn Collins is … Read More
Have you spotted any really great book titles lately? You know what I mean — the kind that stop you in your tracks and make you go, “Huh! Now THAT’S clever!” I was walking through our library’s young adult section (my son has now reached that unfortunate age — you know the book section where all … Read More
Happy Friday! I hope you are looking for a good weekend read, because I am very excited to let everyone know about Sarah Sundin‘s newest book, A Memory Between Us. Her first novel, A Distant Melody, has been my favorite book of this past year (see Book Pick from April 8, 2010). I couldn’t wait to get … Read More
If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t blogged in the past two weeks, I have been too busy walking on air. I’m really not sure that the soles of my feet have touched the ground yet. After 40 days in the desert… okay more like months of tortuous silence from the “professionals” in the publishing … Read More
Yesterday, after a day at the Oregon Coast, my family was climbing up a long stairway leading from the beach and I stopped to wait as my son poured sand from his shoes. When we resumed climbing, I thought I’d impart some wise words to my (almost) eleven-year-old son. Me: (panting) “Do you know how you climb … Read More
Have you ever wished that you could relive moments from your life? When I was a kid, my family spent some happy vacations on Harstine Island in the southern end of the Puget Sound. We biked, fished off the dock, looked for shells on the beach and swam in a community pool.(I’ve even posted a funny … Read More